The Poco C71 enters the budget smartphone space with a striking design, a large 120Hz display, and a surprisingly clean software experience. Aimed at users who value style, everyday performance, and long battery life without stretching the wallet, this phone looks to tick all the right boxes under Rs 8,000.
.png)
1. Stylish design with premium touches
I have the Poco C71 in its Cool Blue finish, which features a dual-tone rear panel with a grill-like texture on one half, adding depth to the design. The back, frame, and buttons are all plastic, but the device feels solid and well-built. The large, slightly raised camera module houses a single camera, with a non-functional second cutout. The design is reminiscent of recent iPhone models, with gold accents adding a premium touch.
The volume keys and power button are placed on the right, with the power button doubling as a fast, reliable fingerprint scanner. The SIM tray is on the left, while the USB-C port and 3.5mm headphone jack sit at the bottom. The top-firing speaker is an unusual choice but doesn’t affect usability much.
The C71 resists smudges well, feels surprisingly light at 193g, and is comfortable to hold at 8.26mm thick, making long usage sessions effortless. It is rated IP52 for splash resistance, which is a nice feature at this price point. The screen is protected by aluminosilicate glass, offering decent everyday protection against scratches and minor impacts.
The retail package includes a 15W charger, a USB-A to USB-C cable, and paperwork, but there is no phone case in the box.
Up front, the Poco C71 features a massive 6.88-inch HD+ LCD screen with a teardrop notch. The bezels are reasonably narrow, especially for a budget device. The screen is smooth to navigate, thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate, which is rare at this price.
While the visuals aren’t the sharpest, with slightly muted colors and average contrast, it holds up well indoors. Peak brightness of 600 nits helps in most conditions, although visibility under direct sunlight is limited. TÜV Rheinland certifications for low blue light and flicker-free viewing make it easier on the eyes. The single top speaker delivers a bit lower loudness than expected, and while it’s sufficient for casual use, it may struggle to fill larger spaces or provide an immersive audio experience at higher volumes.